FE REPORT
Policy and Strategy Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said the government plans to hold Union Parishad (UP) elections in the first half of October, with the election schedule set to be announced in the second half of August.
He said the entire UP election process is expected to be completed within 10 to 12 months from the commencement of polling.
Speaking at the government's regular press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Dr Rahman said the Election Commission (EC) has prepared a preliminary roadmap for elections to Union Parishads, Upazila Parishads, municipalities and city corporations.
The separate roadmaps are expected to be finalised and published by the end of this month.
He said the government expects the EC to announce the UP election schedule in the second half of August, paving the way for voting in the first half of October.
Earlier, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the EC is moving ahead with preparations to hold local government elections in October.
Another Election Commissioner, Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, said the commission had completed all preliminary preparations required for the polls.
On the issue of the Awami League (AL), Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said the party's political activities remain suspended under an executive order, although it has not been formally banned.
He said the AL would stand trial before the tribunal on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, adding that it would be for the court to decide whether the party could continue to exist as a political organisation.
Responding to comments by National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam over the bomb attack on the party's rally in Savar, Dr Rahman described Nahid's remarks as 'political.'
Nahid had alleged that the attack took place with administrative support.
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